Illinois State Police District 20 Commander, Captain Robert Elliott announced today enhanced enforcement efforts during the upcoming Fourth of July holiday period.  District 20 Troopers will be conducting a number of special emphasis patrols in an effort to protect citizens traveling on Illinois roadways.  Last year, District 20 experienced one traffic fatality during this holiday period.         

During this year’s Independence Day, District 20 Troopers will be working special emphasis patrols such as  the Combined Accident Reduction Effort (CARE) which places an emphasis on drivers who are speeding, driving while impaired, driving distracted and not wearing seat belts.  District 20 Troopers will also be participating in Roadside Safety Checks and Scotts law the “Move over Law” details.

Over the past five years, there have been forty-nine fatal crashes during the travel period of Independence Day Holiday. Twenty-five of these crashes were “Alcohol Related”. Not only are there a lot of cars on the roads traveling, but many people will unfortunately choose to drink and drive. With the 4th of July being on a Friday, many people will have a three day weekend and will be attending parties or celebrations. As you hit the roads this 4th of July, whether you are driving across the country or to a local event, make sure to drive safe and never choose to drink and drive.

Statistics show the Independence Day Holiday to be one of the top three most dangerous holidays in Illinois when it comes to crashes. Driver error is the number one leading cause of traffic crashes and drivers need to remember to focus on the task at hand. The message is simple, “One Driving Fatality is one to many, and the Illinois State Police are committed to Driving Zero Fatalities to a reality”